NCC Certified Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) Practice Exam

The term for the period of fetal rest after a contraction is known as?

1. Deceleration

2. Recovery

3. Amplication

4. Repolarization

The correct answer is: Recovery

The term for the period of fetal rest after a contraction is referred to as recovery. This phase is crucial in fetal monitoring during labor because it represents the time when the fetal heart rate stabilizes after the stress of a contraction. During this recovery period, the fetus can regain oxygen and experience increased blood flow. This is important for ensuring the overall well-being of the fetus. The recovery time also allows healthcare providers to assess the health of the fetus based on its heart rate patterns before the next contraction occurs. Other terms in the options, such as deceleration, typically describe a decrease in fetal heart rate, which can be a stress indicator. Amplification might refer to an increase in intensity or the strength of signals or measurements but does not relate to the resting phase. Repolarization pertains to the process in cardiac cycles where the heart muscle resets after contraction, but it does not specifically describe the period of rest following fetal contractions.